>Mental Health Days

>It's a term that people throw around in jest at the bar or coffee house. I took a "Mental Health Day" basically means that you played hookie- skipped out on something you were responsible for whether that meant you stayed home from work, school or dropped the kids off at your Mom's for a while. They're seldom taken seriously , generally laughed about like you used to laugh about cutting your Math class in high school- something forbidden but not detrimental. However, I seem to be from an entirely different camp when I utilize the term Mental Health Day. Not only are they crucial to my sanity, identity and over-all well being but they are essential and must be taken regularly in order for me to be an effective, productive human being.

So, this week I waded through a pile of 107 midterms all with 3 essays each to grade, I survived a new driver drilling into the back of my car without injuring him and all the while wondering why my head has not ceased pounding, my heart not back to a normal rhythm and I can't think clearly. Then, it occurred to me. I have yet to take a Mental Health Day. I have not had a day to recuperate. To gather my thoughts. To spend hours in prayer. To bake something sweet smelling all day. To read a book. To not have to think about jerky kids and pse&g bills and oil changes.

I've denied myself too long. The time has come. I won't say when, but it's coming up soon. In order for me to do what I need to do best, a Mental Health Day is in order. I encourage you to embrace your need for a mental health day. It's not a cop out, nor is it being lazy. It is totally and completely necessary.